Research proves that humans find it much easier to do more of the good things than give up bad habits. If you've resolved to do more healthy stuff for 2013, what can you do in Brighton and Hove to improve your fitness levels?
Here are a few tips for a happier, healthier 2013... let's hope for a long, hot summer this year so we can show off our nicely toned bods down the seafront!
1. Free exercise
There's no need to break the bank - our city is beautiful enough to run and walk around without getting bored, and we have some gorgeous parks and gardens.
Better still, scientists have found that walking is just as good for your health as running. So there's no need to punish your poor self pounding the pavements. Yay! Instead, take a regular brisk walk around your local area or take the bus into town and explore our fab city on foot for better cardio vascular health and an inner glow. Twenty minutes a day should do it, that's only 1/3 of a lunch hour.
If you relish a challenge, see how far you can walk during the first half of your lunch hour, then spend the other half walking back to your workplace. Give it a few weeks and you'll notice your reach is much further than when you first started.
What, no lunch? Scientists have also proved that fasting is extraordinarily good for you. There's no real need to scoff down a meal half way through the day. Leave it 'til the evening instead, or go without food for a day or two every week for amazing improvements to your health and longevity.
If you feel you'd die without a decent lunch, walk outwards for 1/4 hour and back for 1/4 hour instead, and spend your remaining half hour snacking.
2. Gyms
If you enjoy such things, there are loads of gyms and fitness centres in the city. Here are just a few of them:
3. City parks
We've already reviewed our city's fab parks, all of which are great for walking and jogging, some of which also provide tennis courts and formal exercise facilities.Take a look at our previous post about parks in Brighton & Hove.
4. The seafront, South Downs and Sussex countryside
You can cycle the seafront safely from the far end of the under-cliff path at Peacehaven west as far as the outreaches of deepest Hove.
The glorious South Downs are a short bus ride away, with fresh, fragrant air and sea breezes, stunning views and endless opportunities for strolling, jogging, running and off-road cycling.
Go north of the Downs for lovely countryside walks without all the hills. The countryside around Blackboys is particularly fab - follow the Vanguard Way and Wealdway for exceptionally pretty scenery.
5. Yoga and more
We're also well served with places to get to grips with alternative fitness:
